her statesmanship, no trader, from Shanghai to Valparaiso, will ever look at a German signature again. [Cheers.] This doctrine of the scrap of paper, this doctrine which is superscribed by Bernhardi, as treaties which serve only as long as it is to its interest, goes to the root of public law.
It is the straight road to barbarism. Just as if you removed the magnetic pole whenever it was in the way of a German cruiser—[laughter]—the whole navigation of the seas would become dangerous, difficult, impossible, so the whole machinery of civilisation will break down if this doctrine wins in this war.
We are fighting against barbarism. [Applause.] But there is only one way of putting it right: if there are nations that say they will only respect treaties when it is to their interest to do so, we must make it to their interest to do so for the future.
What is their defence? Just look at the interview which took place between the British Ambassador and great German officials. When their attention was called to this treaty to which they were partners, they said, "We cannot help that." Rapidity of action was the great German asset. There is a greater asset for a nation than rapidity of action, and that is honest dealing. [Applause.]
What are her excuses? She said Belgium was plotting against her; Belgium was engaged in a great conspiracy with Britain and with France to attack her. Not merely is it not true, but Germany knows it is not true. What is her other excuse? France meant to invade Germany through Belgium. Absolutely untrue. France offered Belgium five army corps to defend her if she was attacked. Belgium said, "I don't require them. I have got the word of the Kaiser. Shall Caesar send a lie?" All these tales about conspiracy have been fanned up since.
A great nation ought to be ashamed to behave like a fraudulent bankrupt. It is not true what she says. She has deliberately broken this treaty, and we were in honour bound to stand by it. [Cheers.]
Belgium has been treated brutally; how brutally we shall not yet know. We know already too much. What had she done? Did she send an ultimatum to Germany? Did she challenge Germany? Was she preparing to make war on Germany? Had she inflicted any wrongs upon Germany which the Kaiser was bound to redress? She was one of the most
